Crisis Communication Think Tank
Crisis Communication
Think Tank
About CCTT
As global demand rises for communicators who can manage existential crises in business, academia and the nonprofit sector, The Crisis Communication Think Tank, founded in 2018, is the foundation of the University of Georgia’s innovative crisis communication educational initiative – combining the evidence-based expertise of renowned academics from a wide range of disciplines with the experience-driven insights of communication executives with decades of practice.
In the words of C. Richard Yarbrough – the initiative’s primary benefactor, a UGA alumnus and one of the nation’s most respected crisis communicators – the goal is to make the University of Georgia “the go-to place for the study of crises.”
Mission & Goals
Housed at UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and led by the C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership, the CCTT aims to build collaborations among leading crisis scholars and practitioners globally, through dialogue on emerging topics and co-creation of evidence-based advice for next-generation crisis research and practice. Our overarching goals are:
- To connect crisis communication experts from the segmented worlds of academia and industry practice.
- To reshape and refine how crisis communication is understood and practiced.
- To advance crisis communication knowledge via academic-practitioner collaborative research.
- To educate the next generation of crisis communication scholars and practitioners.
- To design protocols for handling “sticky crisis” challenges effectively and ethically at top decision-making level via crisis preparedness and resilience.
U.S. headquarter Leadership Team
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Yan Jin
CCTT Director, Co-Founder
Yan Jin
CCTT Director, Co-Founder
C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership, Professor of Public Relations and Associate Director of Center for Health & Risk Communication, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
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Missy Hill
Associate Director, CCTT
Missy Hill
Associate Director, CCTT
Director of Programming and Development, Department of Advertising and Public Relations, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
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Bryan Reber
CCTT Co-Founder, Former Director
Bryan Reber
CCTT Co-Founder, Former Director
Dr. Bryan Reber, professor emeritus, is the former C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership and former director of the CCTT.
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Glen Nowak
CCTT Co-Founder
Glen Nowak
CCTT Co-Founder
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Co-Director of Center for Health & Risk Communication, Professor, Advertising & Public Relations, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
C. Richard “Dick” Yarbrough
Primary Benefactor
C. Richard “Dick” Yarbrough has enjoyed a distinguished career in public relations. Following his retirement from BellSouth Corporation in 1993, he joined the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games as managing director. Yarbrough is the author of the 2002 memoir, “And They Call Them Games,” which provides an insider’s view of the 1996 Games. For more than two decades, he has written a syndicated newspaper column reaching 600,000 households and more than 1.3 million readers each week.
His honors are many: University of Georgia Distinguished Alumnus, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication Fellow, one of PRWeek’s 100 most influential PR practitioners of the 20th century, one of Georgia’s 100 most powerful and influential people, and a member of the Public Relations Society of America Georgia Chapter Hall of Fame. He also is past president of the University of Georgia National Alumni Association.
Yarbrough makes his home in Atlanta. His continued generosity enables the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication to fund numerous student internships each semester.
Structure & AreaS
The CCTT has three components: CCC (Crisis Communication Coalition), CIA (Crisis Insights and Analytics) Lab, CPR (Crisis Preparedness and Resilience) Hub.
The CCC is formed of CCTT members and affiliated experts, collaborating globally on advancing crisis communication thought leadership. The CCC members serve as advisors, trainers and mentors on emerging research and practice topics.
The CIA Lab is a research group tackling “sticky crisis” challenges via collaborative research with scholars and practitioners. Through research fellowships, internships and special projects, the lab aims at generating theory-guided, evidence-based insights advancing crisis research and practice in organizational, health, disaster and technology areas.
The CPR Hub is the training ground for proactive crisis management, based on expertise from the CCC and the CIA Lab intelligence. It offers CCTT-led certificate programs and executive training programs, as well as workshops and seminars for current and future leaders in crisis communication and risk management arenas.
INTERnational partnerships
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ASCOR, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
ASCOR, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Insper, São Paulo, Brazil
Insper, São Paulo, Brazil
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Centre for Employee Relations & Communication (CERC), Università IULM, Italy
Centre for Employee Relations & Communication (CERC), Università IULM, Italy
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Center for Corporate Reputation, ESE Business School, Universidad De Los Andes, Chile
Center for Corporate Reputation, ESE Business School, Universidad De Los Andes, Chile
Annual Events & OUtPUTS
Each year, the Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) HQ at Grady College organizes two member gatherings: spring in the US and fall in Europe. The purpose of the annual member events, together with other yearly programs with global reach, is to bring together academics and senior-level practitioners studying and/or practicing crisis management in various fields and industries. Members explore the current challenges in crisis and develop insights and observations from both strengthens crisis management, communication strategies, plans, and coordination for organizations to lead organizations through times of crisis with success. The annual Crisis Communication Think Tank meetings aim to dive deeper into research surrounding crisis practice, theory and education.
The CCTT is structured as a thought leadership entity. It is designed to further discussions and understanding of crisis communication and strategic conflict management, with an emphasis on evolving technologies. Housed at UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and led by the C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership, the CCTT aims to build collaborations among leading crisis scholars and practitioners globally, through dialogue on emerging topics and co-creation of evidence-based advice for next-generation crisis research and practice.
The overarching goals are: (1) to connect crisis communication experts from the segmented worlds of academia and industry practice around the globe; (2) to reshape and refine how crisis communication is understood and practiced; (3) to advance crisis communication knowledge via academic-practitioner collaborative research; (4) to educate the next generation of crisis communication scholars and practitioners; and (5) to design protocols for handling ‘sticky crisis’ challenges effectively and ethically at top decision-making level via crisis preparedness and resilience.
Amsterdam, 2024
The CCTT had a successful launch of the Crisis Readiness Workshop, a collaborative initiative between Erasmus University Rotterdam and The University of Georgia on Thursday, engaging in thought-provoking discussions and interactive sessions on organizational crisis management and the importance of cultivating a state of READINESS.
The workshop began with a panel discussion on Understanding READINESS in Organizations, where the panel explored the complexities of “sticky crises” and the importance of having the right mindset in responding to crisis spillovers. The discussion emphasized the need for efficacy and proactive strategies to navigate such challenges.
A case study session The Importance of Being on Your Toes focused on understanding the strong foundation of being READY as a mindset. It highlighted real-world examples of organizations exemplifying strong crisis preparedness, and experts to share insights on aligning organizational values with decision-making to enhance crisis resilience.
The session concluded with a crisis communication simulation, The Art & Science of Crisis Communication, where participants had the opportunity to practice leadership in crisis scenarios. The session focused on strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and proactive approaches to building resilient organizations.
From exploring the nuances of complex crises to dissecting case studies, the workshop provided key takeaways in developing interdisciplinary efficacy and READINESS mindset via cross-learning between communication and legal teams. Participants from different industries in the Netherlands and Belgium left inspired by new insights and skills gained, eager to apply the READINESS framework in their communication management practice.
LEAP – 2025
Building upon the 2024 theme of READINESS, LEAP, represents Leadership, Evaluation, Alignment, and Precision.
Inspired by the infinity shape of the 2024 READINESS, preparedness, and resilience, reminding us of the endless unknowns we face and the mindset of courage and creativity to trek towards the uncharged space of infinite possibilities. Together, we will discover and navigate through new dimensions of crisis management leadership and advanced crisis communication strategy. The LEAP taken by practitioners and scholars alike, is our first step of READINESS in action.
readiness – 2024
In analyzing global crisis over the course of the past year, the CCTT has identified “Readiness” as a key trend for the future of crisis management research and practice. Readiness refers to. the ability of an organization to effectively respond in preparing for and managing a crisis situation. Surpassing mere preparedness, readiness encompasses the initial planning stages to summon a state of action.
Just as a compass enables the intrepid traveler to venture forth, a state of readiness empowers crisis practicioners to confront unforseen challanges and obstacles. Readiness is a protective approach, involving the preparation of relevant plans, resources and organizational capabilities. When done properly, crisis practicioners can address and mitigate the impact of a crisis on an organization’s reputation, stakeholders and operations.
Keystone – 2023
Have AI, virtual reality and the Metaverse changed our inherited blueprint for crisis management? How do organizations and stakeholders perceive these newly constructed realities? Built upon our collective learning from the past, we will examine the state of the field of crisis communication as we see that it is our responsibility to determine how social and technological advancements result in these new realities. We must uncover how these realities manifest via societal and organizational functions, while striving to locate the ever-evolving crisis management keystone.
POP (Power of People) – 2022
The “Power of People” (POP) theme sought to bridge the gap between the ever-evolving groups and ideologies in contemporary society. Power of People, Permanence of Polarization, Problem of Polarization, Prevention of Polarization, Pushback of Publics, Pressure of Perfection and Privilege of Perspective are expressed through the acronym POP. The nuances of “POP” outline the myriad functions of crisis communication while accounting for the role of people as key stakeholders in these scenarios.
e-disruptors – 2021
e-disruptors are defined as new digital communication technologies and tools that disturb crisis communication practice, research and the status quo. “E”-disruptors such as big data and artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual or augmented reality have the potential for positive and negative impacts on crisis communication. They may create or fuel a crisis, help identify potential or emerging crises, guide crisis communication strategies and advance crisis response evaluation capabilities.
Sticky crisis – 2019
The sticky crisis concept is defined as a complex, challenging and recurring (not going away) crisis issue demanding not only a near-instant response, but it often requires crisis communications and senior leadership to see possibilities, understand the breadth and scope of an emerging crisis, and be ready to change strategy and tactics quickly. Since 2019, sticky crisis has become the guiding research focus for the CCTT emphasis areas in crisis communications and public relations, management and strategy communication, legal, risk management and insurance, artificial intelligence and cyber security, employee relations and internal communication, environmental disaster and policy and public health.
OVERVIEW
The Crisis Communication Coalition (CCC) is formed of CCTT members and affiliated experts, collaborating globally on advancing crisis communication thought leadership. The CCC members serve as advisors, trainers and mentors on emerging research and practice topics.
CCTT U.S. Members
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Timothy Coombs
Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management
Timothy Coombs
Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management
International Communication Association (ICA) Fellow -
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Melissa Hardegree
City of Lawrenceville
Melissa Hardegree
City of Lawrenceville
Chief Communications Officer, City of Lawrenceville
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Lucas Held
Independent Consultant
Lucas Held
Independent Consultant
Independent Consultant
Formerly the Director of Communications, The Wallace Foundation -
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Sherry Holladay
Independent Researcher
Sherry Holladay
Independent Researcher
Independent Researcher
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Kate LaVail
Ketchum
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Lori Geary
Lexicon Strategies
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Mark McMullen
Knights of Columbus
Mark McMullen
Knights of Columbus
Senior Vice President of Membership & Marketing
Knights of Columbus -
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Matt O’Connor
Wellstar Health Systems
Matt O’Connor
Wellstar Health Systems
Executive Director, Public Relations
Wellstar Health Systems -
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Mike Pfarrer
Terry College of Business, UGA
Mike Pfarrer
Terry College of Business, UGA
Terry Distinguished Chair of Business Administration, Associate Dean for Research and Executive Programs
Terry College of Business, University of Georgia -
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Deanna Sellnow
Clemson University
Deanna Sellnow
Clemson University
Professor and Chair, Department of Communication
Clemson University -
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Timothy Sellnow
Clemson University
Timothy Sellnow
Clemson University
Communication Expert
Clemson University -
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Rodrigo Sierra
American Medical Association (AMA)
Rodrigo Sierra
American Medical Association (AMA)
Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice President
American Medical Association (AMA)
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Jim Spangler
Markel
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Greg Trevor
Marketing and Communications, UGA
Greg Trevor
Marketing and Communications, UGA
University Spokesperson and Senior Advisor for Crisis Communications
University of Georgia -
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Joseph Watson, Jr.
Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication, UGA
Joseph Watson, Jr.
Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication, UGA
Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communication
Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Georgia -
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Russ Williams
Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Russ Williams
Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Senior Principal Program Lead, Crisis Communications and International
Chick-fil-A, Inc. -
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Christine Woodhouse
Christine Woodhouse
Director, Public Affairs
Cox Communications -
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Dick Yarbrough
Dick Yarbrough
CCTT International members
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Enrico Bocedi
Campari Group, Italy
Enrico Bocedi
Campari Group, Italy
Global Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Senior Director
Campari Group, Italy -
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An-Sofie Claeys
Ghent University, Belgium
An-Sofie Claeys
Ghent University, Belgium
Associate Professor in Corporate Communication
Ghent University, Belgium -
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Jesper Falkheimer
Lund University, Sweden
Jesper Falkheimer
Lund University, Sweden
Professor in Strategic Communication
Lund University, Sweden -
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Finn Frandsen
Aarhus University, Denmark
Finn Frandsen
Aarhus University, Denmark
Professor, Department of Management
Aarhus University, Denmark -
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Kia Haring
VR Group, Finland
Kia Haring
VR Group, Finland
Senior VP, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability
VR Group, Finland -
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Oyvind Ihlen
University of Oslo, Norway
Oyvind Ihlen
University of Oslo, Norway
Professor, Department of Media and Communication
University of Oslo, Norway -
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Winni Johansen
Aarhus University, Denmark
Winni Johansen
Aarhus University, Denmark
Professor, Department of Management
Aarhus University, Denmark -
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Luciano Luffarelli
Piaggio Aerospace, Italy
Luciano Luffarelli
Piaggio Aerospace, Italy
Head of External Communications & Government Affairs
Piaggio Aerospace, Italy -
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Alessandra Mazzei
IULM University in Milan, Italy
Alessandra Mazzei
IULM University in Milan, Italy
Associate Professor of Management
IULM University in Milan, Italy -
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Florian Meißner
Macromedia University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, Germany
Florian Meißner
Macromedia University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, Germany
Professor for Media Management and Journalism
Macromedia University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, Germany -
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Hans Mogensen
Silkeborg Kommune, Denmark
Hans Mogensen
Silkeborg Kommune, Denmark
Head of Corporate Communication
Silkeborg Kommune, Denmark -
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Morgan Olofsson
Civil Rights Defenders, Sweden
Morgan Olofsson
Civil Rights Defenders, Sweden
Director of Fundraising and Communication
Civil Rights Defenders, Sweden
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Augustine Pang
Singapore Management University, Singapore
Augustine Pang
Singapore Management University, Singapore
Professor of Communication Management (Practice) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business; Associate Dean (Partnerships & Engagement) as well as Academic Director, MSc in Communication Management
Singapore Management University, Singapore -
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Julien Radart
Akkanto, Belgium
Julien Radart
Akkanto, Belgium
Managing Partner
Akkanto, Belgium -
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Martin Riecken
TUI, Germany
Martin Riecken
TUI, Germany
Global Head of Internal Communications and Engagement
TUI, Germany -
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Torsten Rössing
Conducttr Germany GmbH, Germany
Torsten Rössing
Conducttr Germany GmbH, Germany
Managing Director
Conducttr Germany GmbH, Germany -
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Harri Saukkomaa
Tekir Oy, Finland
Harri Saukkomaa
Tekir Oy, Finland
Executive Chairman of the Board; Consultant
Tekir Oy, Finland -
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Andreas Schwarz
Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany
Andreas Schwarz
Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany
Senior Researcher (Associate Professor) in Risk and Crisis Communication
Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany -
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Ciro Dias Reis
Imagem Corporativa, Brazil
Ciro Dias Reis
Imagem Corporativa, Brazil
Founder & CEO, Imagem Corporativa, Brazil
Imagem Corporativa, Brazil -
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Chiara Valentini
University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Chiara Valentini
University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Professor of Corporate Communication; Head of Corporate Communication Discipline
University of Jyväskylä, Finland -
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Toni van der Meer
University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Toni van der Meer
University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Associate Professor in Corporate Communication
Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Partner and Co-Director, CCTT International
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Sanne Verhoeven
Corbion, Netherlands
Sanne Verhoeven
Corbion, Netherlands
Senior Director of Public Affairs & Communication
Corbion, Netherlands -
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Yijing Wang
Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
Yijing Wang
Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
Associate Professor, Department of Media and Communication
Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands -
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Pavle Zelic
Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia, Serbia
Pavle Zelic
Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia, Serbia
Manager for international cooperation, European Integrations and communications
Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia, Serbia
CCC Members
Core partners in RISk Management and Legal Studies
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James M. Carson
Department Head, Department of Insurance, Legal Studies and Real Estate Terry College of Business, UGA
James M. Carson
Department Head, Department of Insurance, Legal Studies and Real Estate Terry College of Business, UGA
Department Head, Department of Insurance, Legal Studies and Real Estate
Terry College of Business, UGA -
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Jason Epstein
Lecturer, Legal Studies Terry College of Business, UGA
Jason Epstein
Lecturer, Legal Studies Terry College of Business, UGA
Lecturer, Legal Studies
Terry College of Business, UGA
Core Partners in AI and cyber security
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Philippe Borremans
Vice President, International Association of Risk & Crisis Communication (IARCC)
Philippe Borremans
Vice President, International Association of Risk & Crisis Communication (IARCC)
Crisis & Emergency Risk Communication Consultant. Vice President, International Association of Risk & Crisis Communication (IARCC).
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Yang (Alice) Cheng
Assoc. Prof, Dept. of Communication, NCSU
Yang (Alice) Cheng
Assoc. Prof, Dept. of Communication, NCSU
Prof. Dr. Yang/Alice Cheng is a tenured associate professor in the Department of Communication and an adjunct professor at the Poole College of Management, NCSU.
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Jeff Hill
Senior Director Service Providers, Stellar Cyber
Jeff Hill
Senior Director Service Providers, Stellar Cyber
Transformational leader with 27 years of experience in business development, consulting and delivery of global IT security solutions across a diverse set of industries with Fortune 500 and public-sector organizations. Jeff is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and earned his Executive MBA from Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia.
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Mark Lupo
Senior Public Service Associate, CVIOG ITOS
Mark Lupo
Senior Public Service Associate, CVIOG ITOS
Mr. Lupo is a Senior Public Service Associate with the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Information Technology Outreach Service (CVIOG ITOS) and serves in the role as the UGA CyberArch Coordinator. He has been with UGA since 2005, specializing in small business consulting, business continuity, emergency preparedness and cybersecurity. Mr. Lupo has a passion for working with community organizations, helping others successfully identify the path, and the resources, needed to develop a stronger cybersecurity infrastructure and posture against a rising threat landscape.
Core partners in Employee Relations and internal communication
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Jason Anthoine
Head Honcho Jason Anthoine | Employee Experienced
Jason Anthoine
Head Honcho Jason Anthoine | Employee Experienced
Jason Anthoine (ABJ ’89) is the Head Honcho of Jason Anthoine | Employee Experienced, where he helps companies reimagine their relationships with their blue collar employees.
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Silvia Ravazzani
Assoc. Prof. of Management, Dept. of Business, LECB “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, Italy
Silvia Ravazzani
Assoc. Prof. of Management, Dept. of Business, LECB “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, Italy
Silvia Ravazzani (PhD) is Associate Professor of Management at the Department of Business LECB “Carlo A. Ricciardi”, Università IULM, Italy.
Core Partners in Environmental Disaster and Policy
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Matthew R. Auer
Dean and Arch Professor of Public and International Affairs, School of Public and International Affairs, UGA
Matthew R. Auer
Dean and Arch Professor of Public and International Affairs, School of Public and International Affairs, UGA
Matthew R. Auer is Dean and Arch Professor of Public and International Affairs at the School of Public and International Affairs, University of Georgia (UGA). Prior to his appointment at UGA, Auer served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
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Brett W. Robertson
Assistant Professor, College of Information and Communications University of South Carolina
Brett W. Robertson
Assistant Professor, College of Information and Communications University of South Carolina
Dr. Brett Robertson (Ph. D., The University of Texas at Austin) is an assistant professor in the College of Information and Communications at the University of South Carolina. He studies communication technology use in organizational, risk, and mass communication contexts. His research projects explore how individuals use social media and mobile devices in the workplace and disaster-related contexts. Much of his recent focus has been on disaster preparedness and prevention communication.
Core Partners in Public Health and Disaster Management
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Kristin Gearty
Senior Communications Specialist
Kristin Gearty
Senior Communications Specialist
Kristin Gearty, an award-winning healthcare communications specialist, is experienced in issues management and crisis communications, having worked at global agencies, corporations and non-profit organizations. Her representative experience includes COVID-19 crisis communications, clinical trial disruptions and discontinuations, black box warnings on RX medications, treatment shortages, spokesperson scandals; and major health crisis events such as the rare disease drug price protests, anti-hormone movement and the implosion of the silicone breast implant industry. Currently, Kristin is a senior communications specialist at a new women’s health biotech. Kristin earned her B.A. in English at Colgate University and Goucher College. She also studied Russian Language & Literature at Johns Hopkins University.
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Curt Harris
Director of Institute for Disaster Management, College of Public Health, UGA
Curt Harris
Director of Institute for Disaster Management, College of Public Health, UGA
Dr. Curt Harris is the Director, Associate Professor, and Graduate Coordinator for the Institute for Disaster Management (IDM) in the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia. As Director, Dr. Harris oversees the educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and sets the research and outreach agendas for IDM. Dr. Harris is an internationally renowned leader in public health preparedness and emergency management with over 15 years of experience. His area of expertise focuses on the practical application of preparedness and how appropriate development and testing of plans, policies, and procedures can ultimately influence public health outcomes during disasters. -
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Amitabh Verma
Associate Professor, College of Environment + Design, UGA
Amitabh Verma
Associate Professor, College of Environment + Design, UGA
Amitabh Verma is a Visual Communicator whose expertise derives from his background in architecture, graphic design, and visual composition. With extensive experience in teaching as well as professional practice, his work integrates both the theoretical and applied aspects of design. His interest is in maximizing the impact of crisis messaging by framing content within architectural techniques recognized for their efficacy, aesthetic appeal, and accessibility.
He obtained a BArch (with Honors) from Mumbai University and an MLA (with Distinction) from the University of Georgia. He worked at architecture and urban design firms in Atlanta for 12 years before starting to teach in 2006 at the University of Georgia, where he is an Associate Professor at the College of Environment + Design.
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Santosh Vijaykumar
Associate Professor & Public Engagement Lead Director, Cognitive and Health Infodemics Research Programme (CHIRP) Northumbria University, United Kingdom
Santosh Vijaykumar
Associate Professor & Public Engagement Lead Director, Cognitive and Health Infodemics Research Programme (CHIRP) Northumbria University, United Kingdom
Santosh Vijaykumar is an associate professor and public engagement lead, as well as the director of the Cognitive and Health Infodemics Research Programme (CHIRP) at Northumbria University, United Kingdom.
Core Partners in reputation management
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Pablo Halpern
Director of Center for Corporate Reputation, ESE Business School, Universidad De Los Andes, Chile
Pablo Halpern
Director of Center for Corporate Reputation, ESE Business School, Universidad De Los Andes, Chile
Pablo Halpern is a reputation strategist. He has provided counsel to presidents of countries and over 100 multinational corporations. He was Senior Counselor for Edelman in its Washington, DC office. He served as the Director of Communications for the Chilean government, where he was responsible for communications strategy, international marketing, and public opinion research. Between 2007 and 2024, he was a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Annenberg School for Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Halpern holds a PhD in Communications from the Annenberg School for Communications at the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, an MA from the Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia, and a BA in Social Psychology from Boston University.
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Su Lin Yeo
Associate Professor of Communication Management (Practice), Singapore Management University, Singapore
Su Lin Yeo
Associate Professor of Communication Management (Practice), Singapore Management University, Singapore
Su Lin Yeo is an Associate Professor of Communication Management (Practice) at the Singapore Management University. She serves on the Faculty Senate and additionally sits on national health boards as an advisor on stakeholder engagement and communication. She teaches a range of full-credit communication modules in the business school which includes the MBA and EMBA. Her primary research interests focus primarily on Corporate Reputation, Crisis Communication, and Public Health Communication. She has 12 years of professional experience managing corporate communication and investor relations in the banking and financial services prior to pursuing a career in academia.
Core partners in Strategic organizational leadership
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Patrick Conner
Senior Lecturer, School of Law, UGA
Patrick Conner
Senior Lecturer, School of Law, UGA
Patrick D. Conner joined the University of Georgia School of Law in 2014, and he leads courses with a concentration in drafting for litigation, internal investigations and contracts. He was recognized with the school’s inaugural Carol A. Watson Award for Outstanding Legal Research or Writing Instructor in 2020 and then received the award again in 2021 and 2024.
Conner has 14 years of experience as an attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in Washington, D.C., where he was promoted to partner in 2007. At this firm, he specialized in high-stakes litigation and regulatory investigations. He also served as chair of the Morgan Lewis Washington Office Professional Development Committee that provided training and professional development instruction to over 100 associates. Previously, he worked with Fellows, Johnson & La Briola in Atlanta, Ga., from 1998 to 2000, where he primarily focused on commercial cases in federal and state courts.
Conner’s work has been published in Investment Lawyer, and he has been quoted in Investment Adviser Week as well as the Washington Post.
He earned his bachelor’s degree cum laude and with honors in 1995 and his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1998, both from UGA. -
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Tom Crosson
Managing Director, Joele Frank
Tom Crosson
Managing Director, Joele Frank
Tom Crosson is a seasoned, award-winning communications leader with over 17 years of experience across Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Government. He is currently a Managing Director at Joele Frank, a leading strategic financial communications and investor relations firm. Tom provides counsel and communications support to companies involved in a broad range of special situations and high-profile corporate events. Those include proxy contests, mergers and acquisitions, crisis management, along with advising on ongoing corporate communications strategies.
Prior to his current role, Tom held senior corporate communications roles at Norfolk Southern, Inspire Brands, Truist Financial, and SunTrust Banks. He began his career on Capitol Hill, where he served as Senior Advisor to Rep. Mike Turner (Ohio), Press Secretary to Rep. Rob Wittman (Virginia), and on the staff of the House Oversight Committee.
Tom is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society’s Page Up, the Financial Communications Society, and the National Eagle Scout Association. He earned a BA in political science and economics from Purdue University, and an MBA in strategy from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. -
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James Ndone
Assistant Professor – Communication, Media, & Culture, Coastal Carolina University
James Ndone
Assistant Professor – Communication, Media, & Culture, Coastal Carolina University
Dr. James Ndone teaches public relations and research methods at Coastal Carolina University, South Carolina. His research focuses on crisis communication, particularly the role of emotions in influencing public perception and organizational outcomes. Originally from Kenya, Dr. Ndone’s background includes journalism with Nation Media Group and public relations at Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS). He earned his MA in communication from Illinois State University and completed his PhD at the Missouri School of Journalism in 2021.
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Taylor Voges
Analytics Director, Big Valley Marketing
Taylor Voges
Analytics Director, Big Valley Marketing
Taylor Voges, Ph.D., is a champion for integrating analytics into everyday communication strategies, and applying innovative approaches to better showcase the impact of clients’ marketing campaigns. With an additional background in communications research, film and television, digital media and politics, she understands the need to view work holistically and encourages others to embrace an integrated approach to work and life. Taylor completed her doctorate at the University of Georgia in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations ethics and morality, where she studied practitioners’ willingness to advocate during times of issues or crises. Along the way, she developed a strong passion for bridging the impact of the academy and communication practice, which led to her work as a research and analytics consultant for high-profile clients—especially those dealing with issues or crises. In addition, Taylor has published book chapters and research in various academic journals on topics like public relations ethics and law, crisis spillover and more.
YARBROUGH FELLOWS & ALUMNI
CIA LAB
The Crisis Insights & Analytics (CIA) Lab is a research group tackling “sticky crisis” challenges via collaborative research with scholars and practitioners. Through research fellowships, internships and special projects, the lab aims at generating theory-guided, evidence-based insights advancing crisis research and practice in organizational, health, disaster and technology areas.
Advisors
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Yan Jin
CCTT Director, Co-Founder
Yan Jin
CCTT Director, Co-Founder
C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership, Professor of Public Relations and Associate Director of Center for Health & Risk Communication, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
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Kate LaVail
Ketchum
Researchers
Faculty and doctoral students
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Nicholas Eng
Nicholas Eng
Assistant Professor, Public Relations
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA -
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Lauren Flaker
Lauren Flaker
Doctoral Student
Grady College of Mass Communication and Journalism, UGA -
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River Gracey
River Gracey
Doctoral Student
Grady College of Mass Communication and Journalism, UGA -
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Rongting Niu
Rongting Niu
Doctoral Student
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA -
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Brittany Shivers
Brittany Shivers
Doctoral Student
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA -
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Ruoyu Sun
Ruoyu Sun
Assistant Professor, Public Relations
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA -
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Lanlan Zhang
Lanlan Zhang
Doctoral Student
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA -
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Wenqing Zhao
Wenqing Zhao
Doctoral Student
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA
masters students
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Grace Mains
Grace Mains
Master’s Student
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA. -
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Jessica Rao
Jessica Rao
Master’s Student.
School of Public and International Affairs, UGA. -
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NaYoung Song
NaYoung Song
Master’s Student
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA -
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Kittana Wagener
Kittana Wagener
Master’s Student
College of Public Health, UGA -
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Ansley Zhao
Ansley Zhao
Master’s Student.
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA.
undergraduate students
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Nicole Cortes
Nicole Cortes
Undergraduate Student.
School of Public and International Affairs, UGA. -
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Anna Rachwalski
Anna Rachwalski
Undergraduate Student.
School of Public and International Affairs, UGA. -
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Andrew Wyatt
Andrew Wyatt
Undergraduate Student.
School of Public and International Affairs, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, UGA
alumni
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Sung-in Choi
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Michaela Gearty
Michaela Gearty
Consultant, Ketchum.
MA, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
BA, Advertising, Strategic Health and Risk Communication. -
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Claire Hensley
Claire Hensley
BA, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
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Elise Karinshak
Elise Karinshak
Business Analyst, McKinsey & Company.
B.S. Data Science, B.B.A. Marketing, Minor in Studio Art.
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Bo Robinson
Bo Robinson
Development Coordinator at ArtsNOW
BA, Public Relations
REMOTE Research AFFILIATES
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Timothy Coombs
Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management
Timothy Coombs
Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management
International Communication Association (ICA) Fellow -
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Lucas Held
Independent Consultant
Lucas Held
Independent Consultant
Independent Consultant
Formerly the Director of Communications, The Wallace Foundation -
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Sungsu Kim
Assistant Professor
Sungsu Kim
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
School of Communication at Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea -
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Xuerong Lu
Assistant Professor
Xuerong Lu
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Oregon State University
Collaboration with Penn State’s Page Center
In April 2023, the CIA Lab joined Pennsylvania State University’s Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication to support collaborative student research. The partnership is aimed to produce innovative and timely research on topics within the areas of ethics, digital technology and crisis communication.
Collaboration with Northumbria University’s CHIRP group
The CIA Lab partnered with Northumbria University’s (UK) Cognitive and Health Infodemics Research Programme (CHIRP) group to advance student-led research tackling health misinformation.
Collaboration with The Hedge Fund: Venture Between the Hedges
Every year The Hedge Fund investors support the winning team of the graduate Crisis Communication and Strategic Conflict Management class to further their development for theory-practice integrated research. This team will use their winning funds to carry out their research project under the direction of CCTT Director and the Crisis Insights & Analytics Lab.
PUBLICATIONS
Below are published books and selected articles by CCTT members and affiliates.
Below is a link to a list of published books and selected articles by CCTT members and affiliates since 2018.
Industry Insights
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Navigating uncharted waters: The forefront of crisis READINESS
Call for Papers
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‘The best of both worlds’
The Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) approach to the quest for crisis management keystone
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Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management Special Issue on “Crisis Management Keystone”
Call for Papers
INTERNSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS
CCTT Crisis Communication Research Fellows
CPR Hub
The Crisis Preparedness & Resilience (CPR) Hub is the training ground for proactive crisis management, based on expertise from the CCC and the CIA Lab intelligence. It offers CCTT-led certificate programs and executive training programs, as well as workshops and seminars for current and future leaders in crisis communication and risk management arenas.
PARTNERS & TRAINERS
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Terry College of Business
Terry College of Business
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
UGA is proud to offer a Graduate Certificate in Crisis, Risk, and Disaster Communication, a program that educates students in skills needed for proactive, readiness competencies to address complex communication issues.
The interdisciplinary certificate is a collaborative program bringing together three nationally-recognized UGA programs to educate students: the Crisis Communication Think Tank at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Risk Management and Insurance program at Terry College of Business, and Institute for Disaster Management at the College of Public Health.
To earn the certificate, students complete 12 credit hours by taking two core classes from Grady College including Risk Communication, and Crisis Communication and Strategic Conflict Management. Students then select one of two tracks: a business track requiring the completion of two courses in Risk Management or a public health track requiring the completion of two courses in Disaster Management.
EXECUTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
Friday, April 12, 2024 — Empowering Leaders: How to Excel Through Crisis With Proven Strategies
The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication and Terry College of Business have partnered to offer an executive education program in crisis communication and management. This intensive, one-day, in-person program will supply business leaders with the knowledge, skills and efficacy to lead through crises, influence stakeholders, leverage resources and enhance business processes.
The program is set to kick off at the Terry Executive Education Center in Atlanta on April 12, 2024, and run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
rotterdam, 2024
The CCTT had a successful launch of the Crisis Readiness Workshop, a collaborative initiative between Erasmus University Rotterdam and The University of Georgia on Thursday, engaging in thought-provoking discussions and interactive sessions on organizational crisis management and the importance of cultivating a state of READINESS.
The workshop began with a panel discussion on Understanding READINESS in Organizations, where the panel explored the complexities of “sticky crises” and the importance of having the right mindset in responding to crisis spillovers. The discussion emphasized the need for efficacy and proactive strategies to navigate such challenges.
A case study session The Importance of Being on Your Toes focused on understanding the strong foundation of being READY as a mindset. It highlighted real-world examples of organizations exemplifying strong crisis preparedness, and experts to share insights on aligning organizational values with decision-making to enhance crisis resilience.
The session concluded with a crisis communication simulation, The Art & Science of Crisis Communication, where participants had the opportunity to practice leadership in crisis scenarios. The session focused on strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and proactive approaches to building resilient organizations.
From exploring the nuances of complex crises to dissecting case studies, the workshop provided key takeaways in developing interdisciplinary efficacy and READINESS mindset via cross-learning between communication and legal teams. Participants from different industries in the Netherlands and Belgium left inspired by new insights and skills gained, eager to apply the READINESS framework in their communication management practice.
The Latest
View the latest news from our crisis communication programs at Grady College.
2024 Yarbrough Fellows Named
Each semester, Grady College selects four students to be Yarbrough Fellows. Madden Callahan, Shannon Lorusso, Lila Maiolo and NaYoung Song have been named as the 2024 Yarbrough Fellows. The Yarbrough […]
Crisis Communication Think Tank launches international programs in Europe
In September, the Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication launched its inaugural international programs in the Netherlands. On Sept. 19, a team of […]
Graduate Certificate in Crisis, Risk, and Disaster Communication approved for Fall 2024
The University of Georgia has been approved to offer a Graduate Certificate in Crisis, Risk, and Disaster Communication (CRDC), a program that will educate students in skills needed for proactive, […]
Inaugural partnership among Grady College, Terry College and UGA Executive Education draws industry leaders to crisis management workshop
Grady College’s Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) partnered with the Terry College of Business and UGA Executive Education on a crisis readiness program for business leaders on Friday, April 12, […]
Crisis Communication Hedge Fund provides motivation for graduate student research
The Hedge Fund: Venture Between the Hedges is providing more than just motivation for students in the Graduate Crisis Communication course at Grady College. The winning team’s proposal will be […]
Annual CCTT gathering explores READINESS as a new crisis management model
The Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) hosted its annual event at Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Under the year’s overarching theme of READINESS, […]
Profiles of Tenacity: Kathryn Penn
Kathryn Penn is a fourth-year public relations student interested in crisis communications. She encourages students to seek mentorship and peer networking opportunities to form a supportive community at UGA. Why […]
Yan Jin builds crisis readiness
Yan Jin lives in a world of crisis communication, but that doesn’t mean she is ever in crisis. Instead, Jin teaches crisis communication classes at Grady College of Journalism and Mass […]